A discussion in reaction to Bell's thesis (AA 511 929) of the reflection of, and influence on, culture in art. The author focuses on literature and argues that the function of literature is to provide multiple perspectives and to influence the reader, and that this it to the good. (Author/JB)

The object of empirical musical sociology is to study the social interaction and interdependence of musicians or composers, their music, and the public. Trends in historical and contemporary musical sociology and the constituents of the musical process are examined. (AM)

Distinguishes between Black conservatism, which subscribes to capitalism and a specific social hierarchy, and accommodation, which was a definite political response to southern racist violence of the 1880s and which continues to function as a strategy to combat Black social and economic oppression. (GC)

Discusses the theoretical orientation of Alinsky's community organization strategies, which recognize the fragmented, partial, and multiple levels of community social structure; that communitywide identification is a conscious response to perceived adversaries; and that the task of community organization is to represent the community in…

The political machine, a network that connects the political "boss" to both the upper and lower urban classes, endures as a component of the metropolitan establishment. If people are to fight the establishment, they must understand the corporate and financial interests that influence urban policy. (Author/GC)

Proposes a distinction between: (1) social interactional rules as those governing social behavior within social structural contexts and (2) sociolinguistic roles governing the use of resources of spoken and written language within sets of social structural constraints. Also distinguishes between system-specific rules and rules which may be common…

Describes high school social studies student projects involving a study of local cemeteries. Projects include charting life expectancies, creating slide shows of community grave sites, and collecting tombstone rubbings. (KC)

Suggests that, in undertaking the investigative process, we follow a common path that leads us, through the recognition of present patterns, to the generation of new ones. Schools should have series of goals that become indistinguishable in the light of total human experience. (Author/RK)

Critiques four studies of morality and culture from the point of view of domain theory, based on distinctions between morality and social construal, domains of judgment (moral, social conventional, and personal), and perspectives within the social and power structure. (Author)

Attempts to clarify the nature of power and the distinction between individuals empowered by the existing system and those struggling for freedom by changing the system. Challenges the notion of freedom and emancipation being attained through personal transformation. (SK)

Examines literacy construction and use in four subcontexts in a preschool classroom. Sees a reciprocal dynamic between the patterned life of each subcontext and the patterns of literacy accomplished there. Notes that teachers and students have their own reasons and purposes for invoking literacy as a social tool. (RS)

Presents overview of Erich Fromm's theory of human development with special emphasis on the origin of basic human needs, reciprocal interaction between these needs, and sociocultural structures that mold social character. Describes different types of social character in terms of socioeconomic structures that produce them. Describes features of…

Explores why researchers have been drawn to genre-based research. Notes that this approach to studying professional communication offers a way of understanding the role of texts in the social ordering of communication in organizations by drawing attention to patterns of repetition and variation in the habits of workplace professionals. (SC)

Discusses a book, "Taming the Beast: Choice and Control in the Electronic Jungle" that explores 27 key issues about technology in order to understand its impact on ourselves, social structures, and the environment. Highlights include the effective use of technology in schools; anxiety concerning technology; technological literacy; and…